Thai women's experiences of HIV/AIDS in the rural north : a grounded theory study

Thailand is a nation of some 60 million people, 2 million of whom are estimated to be HIV/AIDS infected and, of those who are infected, 80-90% were infected through heterosexual intercourse and 10-20% are women. In this research, the author discusses the situation in some detail.The experiences of HIV/AIDS infected Thai wives and widows in the rural north of the country are studied.A major contributing factor is the differential constructions of male and female status and sexuality in traditional Thai culture.These constructions are rooted in Theravada Buddhism, ancient mythology and folklore. Data was obtained from 24 participants in Chiangmai Province. The findings of the study revealed several problems with which participants were confronted and the processes they used to address them.It is suggested in the findings that any serious therapeutic interventions and interventionist research studies must be congruent with traditional Thai cultur